When most people hear “breast cancer,” they immediately think of women. But breast cancer doesn’t discriminate—and men are at risk too, even if it’s rarely talked about. In fact, about 1% of all breast cancer cases occur in men, and experts warn that the biggest danger is diagnosing it too late.

“Men often come to us only when the disease is already advanced,” explains Dr. Vidhi Shah, Consultant Breast Onco Surgeon at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai. “That’s because many don’t know what to look for—or are too embarrassed to speak up.”

Why it goes unnoticed

Common early signs—like a painless chest lump, nipple discharge, or skin changes—are often brushed aside. Men may assume it’s just fat, a muscle knot, or hormonal. Worse, many hesitate to talk about breast changes, wrongly thinking cancer here is a “woman’s problem.”

“But cancer doesn’t care about gender,” says Dr. Shah. The good news? Early detection offers over 95% five-year survival.

How men can check themselves

Doing a monthly self-exam takes just a few minutes:

  • Stand before a mirror; look for swelling or dimpling

  • Raise arms and repeat

  • Use fingers to feel around the chest in circular motions

  • Watch for lumps, discharge, or skin changes

    • “If anything feels unusual, don’t ignore it—see a doctor right away,” urges Dr. Shah.

    Diagnosis and stages

    Tests may include a clinical exam, mammogram, ultrasound, biopsy, or scans. Cancer stages range from Stage 0 (early) to Stage IV (advanced, with spread to organs).

    Who’s at risk?

    • Family history of breast cancer

  • BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations

  • Hormonal disorders

    • If you fall into these categories, talk to your doctor about screening.

    Final word

    Dr. Shah stresses, “It’s just another body part—there’s no shame in speaking up.” Awareness, self-checks, and timely action could save your life.

    Let’s break the myth:
    Breast cancer is not just a woman’s disease. It’s time men knew that too.